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Related Experiment Videos

Identification in the Lockerbie air disaster

G H Moody1, A Busuttil

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|March 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Forensic odontology and dactylography were crucial in identifying victims of the Lockerbie air disaster. Dental records (odontology) were particularly effective, aiding in the positive identification of most victims.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Disaster Victim Identification
  • Odontology

Background:

  • The Lockerbie air disaster resulted in mass casualties, necessitating a robust identification process.
  • Scottish legal requirements mandate corroboration of evidence for identity confirmation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the methods used for victim identification following the Lockerbie air disaster.
  • To assess the effectiveness of odontology and dactylography in mass casualty identification.

Main Methods:

  • Primary identification methods included odontology (dental records) and dactylography (fingerprints).
  • Corroborative evidence involved matching physical characteristics, personal effects, and medical records.
  • A systematic approach was employed to identify 270 victims.

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Main Results:

  • A total of 253 out of 270 victims were positively identified.
  • Odontology was instrumental, contributing to the identification of 209 victims.
  • Dactylography and other methods provided corroborating evidence.

Conclusions:

  • Forensic odontology is a highly effective method for victim identification in mass disaster scenarios.
  • The combined use of odontology and dactylography ensures reliable identification in accordance with legal standards.
  • Effective disaster victim identification protocols rely on multiple corroborating evidence sources.